TENNESSEE: House Votes To Make Bible The Official Book Of The State

The Holy Bible is the official book of Tennessee in the view of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Despite questions of constitutionality, lawmakers beat back an attempt to make Andrew Jackson’s Bible the official book and voted 55-38 in favor of Rep. Jerry Sexton’s original bill. “History’s going to tell us where we stand on this. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to have the side that I’m on,” said Sexton, R-Bean Station, after the vote. “It may be kind to me in the future and it may not be kind, and that’s OK. I made a decision for today and I feel good about it.” Although a GOP-led effort, House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, was one of 20 Republicans to vote against the measure. House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, and four Republicans abstained. Only six Democrats voted in favor of the bill.

Gov. Bill Haslam has declined to say whether he will sign the bill should it also be approved by the state Senate.